KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica is in the final stages of developing a dedicated menopause and andropause policy which will guide the governance of men and women with adverse conditions at the level of the family, community and workplace.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton said this was necessary as some 240,000 women are affected by menopause and 145,000 men by andropause, with many not knowing how to treat with what can be debilitating conditions as people age.

Tufton spoke to the issue of May 12 during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

Menopause typically occurs among women in their late 40s to 50s and, as noted by Tufton, “these women report a wide spectrum of symptoms, including hot flashes, fatigue, mood instability, and vaginal dryness.

“Severe cases, such as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and haemorrhages, are more pronounced in underserved rural communities,” he said.

On the other hand, andropause, or age-related testosterone decline, affects men gradually, typically becoming more evident between ages 51 and 60. Symptoms include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and loss of muscle mass.

“Despite its impact, it is often mischaracterised as a lifestyle issue or midlife crisis, contributing to underdiagnosis and limited care-seeking behavior,” said Tufton.

The health and wellness minister pointed to research which he said shows that countries with formal menopause strategies achieve more consistent care and better access to services.

“When women receive trusted information and clinical support, symptoms are more likely to be recognised and effectively managed. For Jamaica, this evidence supports an integrated, family and community-based approach rather than isolated clinic care,” Tufton said.

He shared that local research done over the past three months by the Ageing Committee named earlier this year and led by Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, has identified the main areas for action locally, and has informed the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s plan for the next 12 to 24 months, including:

-Drafting a menopause/andropause policy which will go to cabinet this month, and once approved will go to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel for drafting instructions.

-A training programme to ensure that menopause and andropause are covered in health professional curricula.

-A national education/health promotion programme.

-Engaging a consultant to work with the professional associations to develop clinical guidelines and standard operating procedures for use locally in both public and private practices.

The Standards and Regulations Division in the Ministry will review the current system of applications for importation of menopause-related treatments so as to facilitate rapid review of such applications.